PAA Scope of Practice, Standards of Practice & Code of Conduct

Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice for PAA Members

“Scope of practice” describes procedures, actions and processes a practitioner/instructor is permitted to undertake. The scope is limited by the specific qualifications, education, experience and competency of the practitioner/instructor.

“Standards” include any criteria, protocols or specifications for conduct, performance or services and are considered to be mandatory and may be accompanied by an enforcement mechanism.

“Guidelines” are statements that include recommendations intended to optimise client care.

The following documents describe the “Scope of Practice” and “PAA Standards of Practice” for each PAA membership level:

Open > PAA Scope of Practice & Standards of Practice for Pilates Practitioner

Introduction

Pilates is a mind-body exercise modality that enhances efficient movement habits, postural awareness, coordinated strength and flexibility and respiratory function. Its benefits include:

  • restoring and improving optimal physical function for health and fitness
  • preventing and managing injuries and sub-acute/chronic conditions to reduce pain, improve function and mitigate musculoskeletal degeneration
  • improving strength, flexibility, alignment, balance, range of movement and breathing function for ongoing health and rehabilitation purposes
  • pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation
  • improving performance through specific training and countering sports/muscular bias
  • managing the effects of underlying systemic health conditions especially those impacting on activities of daily living
  • improving mental health through mindfulness and purposeful movement

To achieve the benefits above, Pilates classes require an environment that enables mindful motor learning. This includes:

  • consistent repetition and structured progressive exercise programming
  • exercise modifications and variations tailored to each client’s conditions and goals
  • high levels of supervision best achieved in small group settings
  • postural and movement instructions specific to each client
  • responsiveness to each client’s learning style and biopsychosocial needs

Note: Individuals who hold a bachelor degree, postgraduate or doctoral degree in fields such as Physiotherapy, Pilates, Exercise and Sport Science or have completed additional studies related to musculoskeletal functioning are acknowledged as having a broader ‘Scope of Practice’ specific to their field of specialisation, but are still required to have completed comprehensive Pilates training.

Competencies

All PAA Pilates Practitioners are competent in designing and delivering sessions for lower risk individuals. For more complex conditions and disorders, evidence of further study and relevant experience is required.

Client ProfileLower Risk IndividualsHigher Risk Individuals
Intention
  • Improved fitness, physical well-being and mental health

  • Performance enhancement

  • Prevention and correction

  • Supervised guidance

  • Improve functional activities of daily life


  • Rehabilitation & ongoing management of more complex treatable conditions

  • Management of systemic health conditions

Targeted population

  • Healthy & low risk individuals

  • Professional and amateur athletes, movement specialists and performers

  • Low risk prenatal and postnatal individuals

  • Individuals at risk of musculoskeletal injury due to occupation, repetitive activity and/or general deconditioning

  • Individuals with well-managed neuro- and degenerative conditions

  • Individuals with muscular or structural conditions or disorders

  • Aging population

  • Low risk pre- and post-surgery individuals

  • Individuals with a range of conditions including fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, arthritis

  • Special populations eg children

  • Individuals with complex muscular or structural conditions/disorders

Focus

  • Improve suboptimal postural patterns and movement strategies by addressing range of movement, strength and flexibility, breathing and stabilisation strategies

  • Improve performance in professional, amateur and everyday activities and reduce injury risk, including adverse effects of repetitive movements/postures

  • Address balance, gait and falls risk

  • Prepare and assist with physical impacts of low-risk pregnancy and childbirth and post-natal recovery

  • Prepare for surgery and assist with recovery

  • Postural awareness and improvement strategies for hyperlordosis, hyperkyphosis, scoliosis, low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions

  • Address specific impacts of client condition

  • Address range of movement, strength and flexibility especially to assist with activities of daily living

  • Improve mental health

  • Mitigate pain

  • Modify according to progression of disorder or improvement in condition

Education level of instructorPAA approved DiplomaDiploma plus:
  • additional condition-specific training,

  • Advanced Diploma or

  • Allied Health Bachelor degree

Group size (recommended)Same apparatus: No more than 8 participants to one instructor. (This may be varied dependent on team size if teaching athletes.)
Mat: No more than 12 participants to one instructor
Mixed studio equipment: No more than 4 participants to one instructor
No more than 3 participants to one instructor

PAA Standards of Practice

The PAA uses a competency-based model for training standards, ensuring instructors’ skills, knowledge, and experience are adequate for the variety of client conditions that present in a Pilates studio. The PAA oversees professional standards by:

  • setting education standards for course content, minimum study hours and work experience
  • setting standards for training providers and the qualifications and experience of their faculty
  • reviewing training courses to ensure ongoing quality assurance
  • setting standards for entry level PAA membership and upgrades in membership levels
  • setting standards for ongoing professional development
  • addressing complaints raised against training providers through investigation and mediation
  • addressing complaints against individual members through investigation and mediation
  • reserving the right to audit members to ensure they are operating within the scope and standards of practice

Member Requirements

PAA Pilates Practitioners must have a comprehensive qualification that demonstrates knowledge, skills and industry experience in the Pilates Method.

Membership as a PAA Pilates Practitioner requires:

  • holding a PAA recognised government accredited Diploma (AQF level 5 or above) or industry equivalent with a minimum study period of 500 hours
  • current certification in Provide First Aid
  • current Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance
  •  full financial membership of the PAA and agreement to abide by the PAA Code of Conduct
  • maintenance and elevation of industry knowledge, skills and practice through relevant, research-based professional development courses that meet PAA requirements. A minimum of 20 points is required every two years. For more details, refer to https://www.pilates.org.au/education/pdp/
  • continuity of teaching practice as specified by the PAA (a member must maintain a minimum of 200 hours of Pilates work over any two-year period, otherwise they are deemed ‘non-current’ and require refresher education)

Service Provision

PAA Pilates Practitioners will be guided by the following provisions:

  1. Work with clients whose functional movement capacity or condition is within the practitioner’s level of competency. This may include healthy and lower risk clientele, clients presenting with moderate grade or post-acute injuries and conditions, or chronic conditions or pathologies.
  2. Conduct physical activity readiness assessment/pre-exercise screening to determine each client’s suitability to begin a Pilates exercise program.
  3. Evaluate each client’s static and dynamic posture and movement function.
  4. Identify exercise and programming goals for each client.
  5. Design exercise programs in line with evaluation findings, client goals and medical or allied health professional recommendations.
  6. Provide and supervise Pilates sessions according to program design and client presentation at each session. Sessions range from 45 minutes to 90 minutes but may be varied depending on the capacity of each client.
  7. Constantly evaluate client movement pattern and technique and provide exercise regressions/ progressions/modifications as appropriate.
  8. Use a range of appropriate Pilates apparatus (Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel, small apparatus) ensuring the safety of clients and instructors through client education and diligent supervision.
  9. Collaborate with medical or allied health professionals and refer where appropriate.
  10. Promote client understanding of movement function and body awareness to enhance overall health.
  11. Maintain notes on changes in client health status, progress and program updates.

Additional Service Provision for sessions to be considered therapeutic

In order for a client’s management to be considered therapeutic, these additional requirements are compulsory

  1. conduct a one-on-one initial assessment and record findings. This includes collection of relevant health history, client aims, current general health status and recording of any musculoskeletal problems or conditions, medications, and medical or allied healthcare practitioner recommendations.
  2. undertake and record a full functional movement assessment, including evaluation of static and dynamic posture, strength, balance, range of motion, functional performance skills, and respiratory patterns.
  3. document client progress and any change to client health status and/or objectives according to industry guidelines.
  4. conduct ongoing assessment and adapt exercises (regressions, modifications and progressions) as required, keeping thorough records.

Download: Pilates Practitioner Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice

Open > PAA Scope of Practice & Standards of Practice for Studio Instructor

Introduction

Pilates is a mind-body exercise modality that enhances efficient movement habits, postural awareness, coordinated strength and flexibility and respiratory function. Its benefits include:

  • restoring and improving optimal physical function for health and fitness
  • preventing and managing injuries and sub-acute/chronic conditions to reduce pain, improve function and mitigate musculoskeletal degeneration
  • improving strength, flexibility, alignment, balance, range of movement and breathing function for ongoing health and rehabilitation purposes
  • pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation
  • improving performance through specific training and countering sports/muscular bias
  • managing the effects of underlying systemic health conditions especially those impacting on activities of daily living
  • improving mental health through mindfulness and purposeful movement

To achieve the benefits above, Pilates classes require an environment that enables mindful motor learning. This includes:

  • consistent repetition and structured progressive exercise programming
  • exercise modifications and variations tailored to each client’s conditions and goals
  • high levels of supervision best achieved in small group settings
  • postural and movement instructions specific to each client
  • responsiveness to each client’s learning style and biopsychosocial needs

Note: Individuals who hold a bachelor degree, postgraduate or doctoral degree in fields such as Physiotherapy, Pilates, Exercise and Sport Science or have completed additional studies related to musculoskeletal functioning are acknowledged as having a broader ‘Scope of Practice’ specific to their field of specialisation, but are still required to have completed comprehensive Pilates training.

Competencies

All PAA Studio instructors are competent in designing and delivering sessions for lower risk individuals. For more complex conditions and disorders, evidence of further study and relevant experience is required.

Client ProfileLower risk individualsHigher risk individuals
Intention
  • Improved fitness, physical well-being and mental health

  • Performance enhancement

  • Prevention and correction

  • Supervised guidance

  • Improve functional activities of daily life
  • Rehabilitation & ongoing management of more complex treatable conditions

  • Management of systemic health conditions
Targeted populations
  • Healthy & low risk individuals

  • Professional and amateur athletes, movement specialists and performers

  • Low risk prenatal and postnatal individuals

  • Individuals at risk of musculoskeletal injury due to occupation, repetitive activity and/or general deconditioning

  • Individuals with well-managed neuro- and degenerative conditions

  • Individuals with muscular or structural conditions or disorders

  • Aging population

  • Low risk pre- and post-surgery individuals

  • Individuals with a range of conditions including fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, arthritis

  • Special populations eg children

  • Individuals with complex muscular or structural conditions/disorders

Focus
  • Improve suboptimal postural patterns and movement strategies by addressing range of movement, strength and flexibility, breathing and stabilisation strategies

  • Improve performance in professional, amateur and everyday activities and reduce injury risk, including adverse effects of repetitive movements/postures

  • Address balance, gait and falls risk

  • Prepare and assist with physical impacts of low-risk pregnancy and childbirth and post-natal recovery

  • Prepare for surgery and assist with recovery

  • Postural awareness and improvement strategies for hyperlordosis, hyperkyphosis, scoliosis, low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions
  • Address specific impacts of client condition

  • Address range of movement, strength and flexibility especially to assist with activities of daily living

  • Improve mental health

  • Mitigate pain

  • Modify according to progression of disorder or improvement in condition
Education Level of instructorPAA approved Comprehensive Pilates certificateComprehensive certificate plus:
  • .additional condition-specific training,

  • Advanced Diploma or

  • Allied Health Bachelor degree
Group size (recommended)Same apparatus: No more than 8 participants to one instructor. (This may be varied dependent on team size if teaching athletes.)
Mat: No more than 12 participants to one instructor
Mixed studio equipment: No more than 4 participants to one instructor
No more than 3 participants to one instructor

PAA Standards of Practice

The PAA uses a competency-based model for training standards, ensuring instructors’ skills, knowledge, and experience are adequate for the variety of client conditions that present in a Pilates studio. The PAA oversees professional standards by:

  • setting education standards for course content, minimum study hours and work experience
  • setting standards for training providers and the qualifications and experience of their faculty
  • reviewing training courses to ensure ongoing quality assurance
  • setting standards for entry level PAA membership and upgrades in membership levels
  • setting standards for ongoing professional development
  • addressing complaints raised against training providers through investigation and mediation
  • addressing complaints against individual members through investigation and mediation
  • reserving the right to audit members to ensure they are operating within the scope and standards of practice

Member Requirements

PAA Studio Instructors must have a comprehensive qualification that demonstrates knowledge, skills and industry experience in the Pilates Method.

Membership as a PAA Studio Instructor requires:

  • holding a PAA approved comprehensive Pilates certificate with a minimum study period of 460 hours
  • current certification in Provide First Aid
  • current Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance
  • full financial membership of the PAA and agreement to abide by the PAA Code of Conduct
  • maintenance and elevation of industry knowledge, skills and practice through relevant, research-based professional development courses that meet PAA requirements. A minimum of 20 points is required every two years. For more details, refer to https://www.pilates.org.au/education/pdp/
  • continuity of teaching practice as specified by the PAA (a member must maintain a minimum of 200 hours of Pilates work over any two-year period, otherwise they are deemed ‘non-current’ and require refresher education)

Service Provision

PAA Studio Instructors will be guided by the following provisions:

  1. Work with clients whose functional movement capacity or condition is within the instructor’s level of competency. This may include healthy and lower risk clientele, clients presenting with moderate grade or post-acute injuries and conditions, or chronic conditions or pathologies.
  2. Conduct physical activity readiness assessment/pre-exercise screening to determine each client’s suitability to begin a Pilates exercise
  3. Evaluate each client’s static and dynamic posture and movement function.
  4. Identify exercise and programming goals for each client.
  5. Design exercise programs in line with evaluation findings, client goals and medical or allied health professional recommendations.
  6. Provide and supervise Pilates sessions according to program design and client presentation at each session. Sessions range from 45 minutes to 90 minutes but may be varied depending on the capacity of each client.
  7. Constantly evaluate client movement pattern and technique and provide exercise regressions/ progressions/modifications as appropriate.
  8. Use a range of appropriate Pilates apparatus (Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel, small apparatus) ensuring the safety of clients and instructors through client education and diligent supervision.
  9. Collaborate with medical or allied health professionals and refer where appropriate.
  10. Promote client understanding of movement function and body awareness to enhance overall
  11. Maintain notes on changes in client health status, progress and program updates.

Additional Service Provision for sessions to be considered therapeutic

In order for a client’s management to be considered therapeutic, these additional requirements are compulsory:

  1. Conduct a one-on-one initial assessment and record findings. This includes collection of relevant health history, client aims, current general health status and recording of any musculoskeletal problems or conditions, medications, and medical or allied healthcare practitioner recommendations.
  2. Undertake and record a full functional movement assessment, including evaluation of static and dynamic posture, strength, balance, range of motion, functional performance skills, and respiratory patterns.
  3. Document client progress and any change to client health status and/or objectives according to industry guidelines.
  4. Conduct ongoing assessment and adapt exercises (regressions, modifications and progressions) as required, keeping thorough records.

Download: Studio Instructor Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice

Open > PAA Scope of Practice & Standards of Practice for Group Instructor

Introduction

Pilates is a mind-body exercise modality that enhances efficient movement habits, postural awareness, coordinated strength and flexibility and respiratory function. Its benefits, when taught as a system, include:

  • restoring and improving optimal physical function for health and fitness
  • preventing and managing injuries and sub-acute/chronic conditions to reduce pain, improve function and mitigate musculoskeletal degeneration
  • improving strength, flexibility, alignment, balance, range of movement and breathing function for ongoing health and rehabilitation purposes
  • pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation
  • improving performance through specific training and countering sports/muscular bias
  • managing the effects of underlying systemic health conditions especially those impacting on activities of daily living
  • improving mental health through mindfulness and purposeful movement

To achieve the benefits above, Pilates classes require an environment that enables mindful motor learning. This includes:

  • consistent repetition and structured progressive exercise programming
  • exercise modifications and variations tailored to each client’s conditions and goals
  • high levels of supervision best achieved in small group settings
  • postural and movement instructions specific to each client
  • responsiveness to each client’s learning style and biopsychosocial needs

Competencies

All PAA Group Pilates instructors are competent in designing and delivering sessions for lower risk individuals. For more complex conditions and disorders, evidence of further study and relevant experience is required.

Client profileLower risk individuals
Intention
  • Improved fitness, physical well-being and mental health

  • Performance enhancement

  • Prevention and correction

  • Supervised guidance

  • Improve functional activities of daily life
Targeted populationsHealthy or low risk individuals which may include:
  • Professional and amateur athletes, movement specialists and performers

  • Individuals at risk of musculoskeletal injury due to occupation, repetitive activity and/or general deconditioning

  • Individuals with muscular or structural conditions eg mild scoliosis, osteoporosis

  • Aging population
Focus
  • Improve suboptimal postural patterns and movement strategies by addressing range of movement, strength and flexibility, breathing and stabilisation strategies

  • Improve performance of everyday activities

  • Reduce injury risk, including adverse effects of repetitive movements and/or postures

  • Indirectly address balance, gait and falls risk

  • Postural awareness and improvement strategies, for hyperlordosis, hyperkyphosis, scoliosis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Education Level of instructor
  • Certificate IV in Contemporary Pilates and Teaching Methodology (52855WA) or

  • A Statement of Attainment for completion of specific units from the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction (10838NAT) or Diploma of Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Instruction Method (10828 NAT) or

  • Full matwork and/or reformer training through a PAA recognised course
Group size (recommended)Reformer:
  • No more than eight participants to one instructor if the participants are healthy, have no major conditions and are injury-free, (This may be varied dependent on team size if teaching athletes.)

  • No more than six participants to one instructor if the participants are population specific eg all with low back pain

  • No more than four participants to one instructor if the participants include a mixture of different conditions


Mat:
  • No more than 12 participants to one instructor

PAA Standards of Practice

The PAA uses a competency-based model for training standards, ensuring instructors’ skills, knowledge, and experience are adequate for the variety of client conditions that present in a Pilates class. The PAA oversees professional standards by:

  • setting education standards for course content, minimum study hours and work experience
  • setting standards for training providers and the qualifications and experience of their faculty
  • reviewing training courses to ensure ongoing quality assurance
  • setting standards for entry level PAA membership and upgrades in membership levels
  • setting standards for ongoing professional development
  • addressing complaints raised against training providers through investigation and mediation
  • addressing complaints against individual members through investigation and mediation
  • reserving the right to audit members to ensure they are operating within the scope and standards of practic

Member Requirements

PAA Group Pilates Instructors must have a qualification that demonstrates knowledge, skills and industry experience in the Pilates Method.

Membership as a PAA Group Pilates instructor requires:

  • holding a PAA recognised qualification with a minimum study period of 175 hours
  • current certification in Provide First Aid
  • current Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance
  • current financial membership of the PAA and agreement to abide by the PAA Code of Conduct and Ethical Practice
  • maintenance and elevation of industry knowledge, skills and practice through relevant, research-based professional development courses that meet PAA requirements. A minimum of 15 points is required every two years. For more details, refer to https://pilates.org.au/education/pdp/
  • continuity of teaching practice as specified by the PAA (a member must maintain a minimum of 200 hours of Pilates work over any two-year period, otherwise they are deemed ‘non-current’ and require refresher education

Service Provision

PAA Pilates Group Instructors will be guided by the following provisions:

  1. Work with clients whose functional movement capacity or condition is within the instructor’s level of competency. This is limited to healthy and lower risk
  2. Conduct physical activity readiness assessment/pre-exercise screening to determine each participant’s suitability to begin a Pilates exercise
  3. Evaluate participant’s static and dynamic posture and movement function.
  4. Identify exercise and programming goals for each group class, with modifications for participant’s varying abilities or restrictions.
  5. Identify and apply contra-indications and modifications for participants musculoskeletal conditions.
  6. Understand how and when to exclude a participant when a particular condition falls outside the instructor’s Scope of Practice.
  7. Provide and supervise Pilates classes according to program design and participants presentation at each session. Classes range from 45 minutes to 60 minutes but may be varied depending on the capacity, health and wellbeing of the group.
  8. Constantly evaluate the groups movement patterns and technique and provide exercise regressions/ progressions/modifications as appropriate.
  9. When using Pilates apparatus, ensure the safety of participants and instructors through participant education and diligent supervision.
  10. Collaborate with medical or allied health professionals and refer where appropriate (out of scope).
  11. Promote participants’ understanding of movement function and body awareness to enhance overall
  12. Maintain notes on program updates and significant changes in client health status and progress.

Download: Group Pilates Instructor Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice


Code of Conduct - All Members

This Code of Conduct applies to all members of the PAA and informs application of the Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice.

All PAA Members understand and commit to work within the PAA Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice in compliance with the following Code of Conduct.

Business owners are also required to adhere to National Employment Standards and any relevant awards, legislations and work safe practices appropriate to each State and Territory and to ensure appropriate staff policies and procedures are maintained.

Note: In completing an online membership application or renewal you confirm that you have read and agree to abide by the PAA Code of Conduct.

Download: Code of Conduct.pdf

Responsibility
  • work according to the competency level applicable to qualifications and experience and not promote services outside competencies

  • ensure professional development and industry interaction through attendance at suitable workshops, conferences and other continuing education opportunities

  • contribute to the Pilates profession, for little or no compensation or for personal advantage

  • be a role model for clients by managing one’s own physical and mental health


Do No Harm
  • act in the best interests of clients including referring/collaborating with other health professionals where appropriate

  • act in a competent, caring and responsible manner, including care with appropriate hands-on correction

  • provide a safe and hygienic environment including regular equipment maintenance

  • provide safe equipment use when springs or other moving components are being used or adjusted, including education of clients on all safety-related issues

  • instruct clients according to the safe application of accepted Pilates techniques and principles

Respect
  • work with integrity, respect and fairness considering the rights, dignity and worth of each client, including cultural sensitivity

  • treat all clients equally regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin or religion

  • ensure no discrimination in service provisions in relation to age or disability or ability

  • maintain a professional relationship with all clients

  • honour the client’s right to personal modesty and privacy

Integrity
  • know and abide by relevant legislation including, but not limited to, the regulations and laws surrounding privacy, anti-discrimination, trade practices and fair trading, health professional practice, workplace health and safety, child protection, and harassment

  • colleagues and the profession

  • act so as not to bring the profession into disrepute

  • report breaches of the Scope of Practice, Standards of Practice or this Code to the PAA

Advertising
  • market services and products ethically and in a clear and factual manner

  • do not make false or misleading statements including unfair comparisons with others

  • do not make statements on behalf of the PAA without specific approval from the executive committee

  • comply with rules regarding use of the PAA logo and brand

Client information, privacy and record keeping
  • maintain high standards of client record keeping in line with PAA guidelines

  • maintain high standards of financial and business record keeping

  • protect client confidentiality ie not sharing client information without consent, except in the case of an emergency or if required by law

  • comply with State Government Health Records Privacy legislation

  • ensure all records are held securely and are not subject to unauthorised access, regardless of whether they are held electronically and/or in hard copy

  • all non-active client data to be kept for a minimum of seven years and then securely destroyed/ shredded as specified by current regulations and legal advice

Workplace practice and safety
  • establish WHS procedures and review annually

  • mitigate risks by educating staff and clients about potential hazards, risks and how to maintain a safe workplace

  • if an injury or accident occurs, record the details as soon as possible, including time, date, place, witnesses and why/how the accident/injury occurred, keeping records for the duration legally specified

  • conduct a studio/venue risk assessment, instigate remedial action and develop mitigation plans to avoid a recurrence

  • conduct a follow-up review and workplace discussion in regard to incident management and procedures and ensure WHS procedures are updated accordingly